I was going to wait a little longer before writing the next tip. But, we had our first significant rain of the new season this morning here in Colma, near San Francisco. It reminds me of last year’s rainy season when I personally totaled a vehicle due to hydroplaning. Fortunately, my family and I were ok. But, it was a traumatic experience that I would rather you not have. So, here are 3 important things you can do to stay safer this rainy season.
1. Safe Tires – When was the last time that you really measured the tread depth of your tires. We inspect your tires regularly when you bring your car in for maintenance at Lexus of Serramonte. A brand new tire typically has 10/32 of an inch of tread. A tire that has 2/32 is basically bald and will do you no good in the rain. When we are certifying a pre-owned Lexus for sale, we’ll replace the tires if they have less than 5/32” before it can pass the Lexus CPO standard. If your tires are due, you have a lot of options for great deals on tires. So, go ahead and do your shopping. And, then come on by the dealership. You might be surprised just how competitive we can be. And, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that a Lexus certified technician mounted, balanced and installed your new tires including all the correct methods for your Tire Pressure Sensors. We can even do an full precision alignment with our Hunter system to improve your car’s handling and gas mileage.
2. Safe Wipers – Have you ever found yourself reluctant to turn your wipers on because you knew they’d make the view worse than just having the rain on the windshield? Yep, it’s time for fresh wipers. At best, worn wipers are a distraction. Worse, they could lead to something far more dangerous. Fresh wipers are a very inexpensive for the peace of mind.
3. Slow Down – Everything takes more time and space in the rain. With the reduced visibility, increased distractions, and reduced brake effectiveness, allow more room to make sure you can get stopped in case that car ahead of your does something squirrely.
(Bonus method 3-1/2 would be to make sure the brakes are up for the job, too!) If it’s been 6 months or more since your last service, why not schedule with our outstanding service department. They’re have a great team of technicians ready to make sure your car is ready for the season, Monday through Saturday. You can reach them directly at 650-867-8501.
Until next time, best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Nick's Tip #28 - Top 5 Car Seat Facts Every Expectant Parent Should Know
Well, it has been a little while since my last tip. And, I sure hope that you've been enjoying some safe driving since then. One of the things that I've really enjoyed sharing with my guests at the dealership lately is all about car seats for people who are expecting children. Of course, the Lexus has all the latest safety features of all the cars in the industry. But, car seats for children are a topic all their own. If you are expecting, or know someone who may be, here are some of the most important things you should know.
1. They work. The statistics vary over the years and by the source. But, the data shows that car seats for children save lives. One estimate is that, if you have your child properly fastened, in the correct car seat, which is properly installed in the car, the child's odds of surviving an otherwise fatal accident are in the range of 95% or better.
2. No Seat, No Baby. It sounds a little odd, perhaps. Most hospitals that deliver babies will not even release your baby to you to take home until you show them that you have the correct seat for the baby properly installed in the car that you'll use to drive home. They're not trying to be mean about it. They're simply providing you with one more incentive to get your car seat for your baby in order well in advance of giving birth. (Yes, and, keeping the liabilities under control, too.)
3. Many options but get the right size seat for your baby. There are a lot of great car seats out there for your baby. One very popular variety is convertible, in that it snaps into a base facing rearward until the baby's legs are so long that it's time to turn the seat around so baby can face the front. However, for babies who have a birth weight that's less than 5 pounds, there is a different style infant seat required. For that reason, I would highly recommend, in addition to all the other topics you'll talk about with your doctor, get an idea as early as possible about an expected birth weight. If it looks as though it's likely to be over 5 pounds, great! Go ahead and get the convertible style. Even if the baby does arrive a little lighter than you expect, you'll need that seat a few months down the road anyway. But, if the doctor says that the baby is likely to be very close to 5 pound or less, ask for the infant style at your baby store.
4. Watch out for hand-me-downs. There's one thing for certain - having babies gets to be an expensive proposition. Hand-me-downs from friends or family can be a great way to save money on clothes, and a host of other baby gear. But, not so much with child seats. First of all, you never really know the history of the seat. And, if it's already been in an accident, or damaged in some other way, it will not function properly to protect your child. Secondly, baby seats have a limited life span. In the owner's manual, on the manufacturer's website, and a number of consumer safety sites, you can see what the life span of the seat is. After that point the materials can degrade to the point that the seat is no longer effective in the event of a crash. Finally, over the years, a number of child seats have been subject to recalls. The probability of a child seat being affected by a recall goes up when you don't know where it came from.
5. You can get help for making sure you have the right seat installed properly. In many cities the local police or fire departments will do complimentary safety seat inspections. And, the store where you buy your child seat may have a certified child seat technician who can make sure your new seat is correctly installed as well. So, once you have acquired the new seat, if the store doesn't have a person, call your local police and fire departments. They may do the check for you by appointment, or on a certain schedule. And, you may learn some more great tips for making sure the seat is secure when you reverse the seat or move it from one car to another.
I have to say that working with young growing families is one of the most fun parts of my job. If you have any questions about how the seats work out in a Lexus, or any other question about the cars you'll be driving for your child, or any other car topic, I'd look forward to hear from you.
Best wishes for safe driving.
1. They work. The statistics vary over the years and by the source. But, the data shows that car seats for children save lives. One estimate is that, if you have your child properly fastened, in the correct car seat, which is properly installed in the car, the child's odds of surviving an otherwise fatal accident are in the range of 95% or better.
2. No Seat, No Baby. It sounds a little odd, perhaps. Most hospitals that deliver babies will not even release your baby to you to take home until you show them that you have the correct seat for the baby properly installed in the car that you'll use to drive home. They're not trying to be mean about it. They're simply providing you with one more incentive to get your car seat for your baby in order well in advance of giving birth. (Yes, and, keeping the liabilities under control, too.)
3. Many options but get the right size seat for your baby. There are a lot of great car seats out there for your baby. One very popular variety is convertible, in that it snaps into a base facing rearward until the baby's legs are so long that it's time to turn the seat around so baby can face the front. However, for babies who have a birth weight that's less than 5 pounds, there is a different style infant seat required. For that reason, I would highly recommend, in addition to all the other topics you'll talk about with your doctor, get an idea as early as possible about an expected birth weight. If it looks as though it's likely to be over 5 pounds, great! Go ahead and get the convertible style. Even if the baby does arrive a little lighter than you expect, you'll need that seat a few months down the road anyway. But, if the doctor says that the baby is likely to be very close to 5 pound or less, ask for the infant style at your baby store.
4. Watch out for hand-me-downs. There's one thing for certain - having babies gets to be an expensive proposition. Hand-me-downs from friends or family can be a great way to save money on clothes, and a host of other baby gear. But, not so much with child seats. First of all, you never really know the history of the seat. And, if it's already been in an accident, or damaged in some other way, it will not function properly to protect your child. Secondly, baby seats have a limited life span. In the owner's manual, on the manufacturer's website, and a number of consumer safety sites, you can see what the life span of the seat is. After that point the materials can degrade to the point that the seat is no longer effective in the event of a crash. Finally, over the years, a number of child seats have been subject to recalls. The probability of a child seat being affected by a recall goes up when you don't know where it came from.
5. You can get help for making sure you have the right seat installed properly. In many cities the local police or fire departments will do complimentary safety seat inspections. And, the store where you buy your child seat may have a certified child seat technician who can make sure your new seat is correctly installed as well. So, once you have acquired the new seat, if the store doesn't have a person, call your local police and fire departments. They may do the check for you by appointment, or on a certain schedule. And, you may learn some more great tips for making sure the seat is secure when you reverse the seat or move it from one car to another.
I have to say that working with young growing families is one of the most fun parts of my job. If you have any questions about how the seats work out in a Lexus, or any other question about the cars you'll be driving for your child, or any other car topic, I'd look forward to hear from you.
Best wishes for safe driving.
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